Compass Has Made Its Way To Nantucket: Shelly Tretter Lynch

What prompted you and your partner MaryBeth to launch a Nantucket Compass initiative?

The Nantucket real estate market is the best kept secret amongst the lucky individuals who can afford to enjoy the gorgeous surroundings that the island has to offer.  Many people who are either high profile, have great wealth, and want a serene and private 'escape' can call Nantucket either 'home' or can enjoy as one of the many destinations that they can escape to without too much notoriety where they can be safe with security and privacy. 

How has your business been affected by the real estate presence on Nantucket?

Many of my friends and clients have homes on Nantucket or have been enjoying the island as a holiday destination for many years.  The island, which is thirty miles off the Cape is well-renowned as a whaling hub from the 19th-century, and has strict historical architectural standards that have kept the island with a natural setting and yet the modern conveniences for today's lifestyle.  The environment is a haven to decompress and relax.  The more expensive that the island has become has allowed for five-star restaurants, high-end boutique shopping, golfing and destination fishing.  These are activities that many of my clients feel that they can enjoy in a setting of 47.8 square miles.  Much of this land is predominately preserved as conservation property to ensure that Nantucket can be enjoyed for generations to come.  The access, either by ferry or a quick flight from Westchester County Airport has made this destination even more desirable.  We are able to assist our clients in their move to Nantucket seamlessly. 

Do you find that more sports-related people or entertainers are attracted to Nantucket? Why?

Definitely!  The fact that this is a beautiful island that takes extra steps to access is very attractive to many sports-related people and entertainers.  They are able to walk along the cobblestone streets, go cycling and enjoy an evening out to dinner without much notoriety and paparazzi. 

Is Nantucket a popular Winter destination compared to its popularity during the Summer?

The island swelled this past summer with almost 80,000 people visiting the island.  The year-round resident count is about 12,000.  There are many people that extend their summer until the early part of winter and then leave for a warmer climate until April.  So there are many residents who may not be included as 'year-round' but are on island for almost eight months or more.